We had a group of mostly young Boy Scouts. We enjoyed camping at Jakes Place and the side trip up to Slave Falls was worth it for sure. This was the perfect loop for our younger guys with heavy packs and sore legs. Luckily we had amazing weather.

Really great hike! Lots of flowing water and small falls from all the recent rain. Multiple wildflower species just popping out. Recommend starting on lower arch part of loop and taking loop all the way to Jake’s Place (ideal spot for picnic or rest on the rock benches) and on to Charit Lodge. There’s a suspension bridge that follows on to the Sheltowee Trace we had to try out just off main trail. Then on for a relatively steep climb for the last mile. Well worth the finish on the upper loop.

Trail was well kept. Just before and following Jake’s Place there were lots of wooded plank bridges on the trail that made for fun adventures for the kids. This part of the trail followed a well flowing creek. Very wet and muddy trail on the back side but the previous day it rained all day. Waterproof or resistant boots a must.

Great trail. Can get kinda confusing with the lack of markers. The view and the trek up the ridge are gorgeous. The bridge to get to the overlook is broken and the “alternate route” was a swim through a 5ft deep creek. So get ready for a cold wade. Overall great hike.

Moderate. Well blazed & maintained. Hiked counterclockwise. Begins easily through mixed forest. Descends to creek side past a few rock houses. Long rolling section along the water is very pretty/peaceful. A bridge is out along the creek but no trouble going around. Leave creek w moderate uphill. Finishes on the road w approx. .5 mi back to trailhead. Bit of a drive to get to this trail but worth it.

Loliipop out & back combo w Grand Gap Tr-12.4mi. Easy. Well marked & maintained. Bridge over Fall Branch broken but can still use. Superb section from Fall Branch up to the plateau-interesting rock features. Several pretty waterfalls & some great vistas from outcrops on the rim. A very enjoyable hike.

This is a great trail with some good views but the best part is the Arches of coarse and the rock out crops are a sight also I think in one place saltpeter was mined lots of holes drilled in the rocks the part that follows the creek was peaceful but a little muddy loved it I rate it moderate

Referring to the larger loop hike (about 5 miles), this was a great trail and hike. Well maintained and the arches are great. But even more, the bluffs and rock formations all along the latter portion of the loop were breathtaking. The loop goes last the northern arch, descends down to a beautiful creek, passes the lodge, then slowly ascends to the southern arch. A lot to see along the way on this moderately difficult trail. Well worth it;

Did an overnight with great company looping clockwise. Arrived at 12 allowing plenty of time to visit the larger arch/cave, stroll to Charit Lodge for late lunch and finish with a casual hike and liesurely camp setup at Jake's Place. We ate dinner and talked around the campfire before calling it a night. Woke up with a quick morning out and back toward Needle Arch and Slave Falls. Then it was time to walk up and out. The first mile leaving Jake's is enough of a climb to raise the heart rate a little. The last 1.7 are along the rock bluff, towers overhead. Just beautiful hiking before the ascent up the stairs/ladders.

Possibly the best dayhike in Big South Fork, which is saying something in an area filled with good dayhikes. Arches are fantastic; try standing at the south end of either arch to get the best lighting for a pic. Passes numerous large rock shelters en route to Jake's Place (a pile of rocks, all that remains of a house) and Charit Creek Lodge. Soda and snacks may be for sale at Charit Creek Lodge, which also offers overnight lodging. Some climbing is required, but trail is mostly well-graded with good switchbacks.

Also, be aware that there are 2 loops starting at this trailhead that are sometimes called the Twin Arches Loop. A short 1.2 mile loop only goes over and around Twin Arches, while a longer 4.7 mile loop also takes you to Jake's Place and Charit Creek Lodge. This page is supposed to be about the longer loop, but some of the user reviews seem to be about the shorter one. The longer loop is the better hike if you have the time, conditioning, and energy, but of course the shorter loop is a better choice if you only want to see the arches.